Combidrive

One Way Clutch Torque: 2nd February, 2009

What's going on?

Freewheels, one way clutches, backstops, overrunning clutches, sprags - whatever you call them, these mechanisms fulfil at least one of three functions in any application:

1) To index or drive a shaft forward from a reciprocating movement (e.g. rowing machine, press feed for a punching machine or stamping machine)

2) To prevent a shaft being driven backwards (e.g. inclined conveyor for safety, turnstile control)

3) To allow a shaft to 'overrun' the speed of another when conditions prevail (e.g. engine starter mechanism, standby/two speed drive systems)

The clutch pictured is built with an integral torque arm to facilitate fitting as a backstop as a safety feature on inclined elevators. In the event of power failure/chain breakage the elevators will not run backwards causing further damage/injury.

Worth noting!

a) One of these overrun clutches was fitted to the Combidrive 'mouse' car which achieved a world record (568 mpg) see 'mouse' page on website.

b) See 'clutch selection' page for further information.